FERRIDAY &045; Sometimes the road ahead looks much better than the one behind.

But in the case of Ferriday High School senior Erica Davis it was the potholes the propelled her forward.

When Davis crosses the stage at FHS tonight to get her diploma she’ll be making family history. Of her five siblings she’s the first to graduate from high school.

And just a diploma wasn’t good enough for Davis, who will graduate with special honors.

It was hard work, self-motivation and some loving friends that got Davis to where she is now, according to teachers and friends.

Davis spent most of her life living with her grandmother in Clayton while her mom lived in Winnsboro. Recently she found herself with no home at all, until friend and fellow graduate Areka Mayse opened up the door to her grandmother’s house.

Now the lifelong friends are preparing for one last walk before they part ways for college.

Davis plans to go to the University of Louisiana at Monroe’s nursing program, while Mayse is headed to Southeastern Louisiana’s nursing program.

Though she’s not sure what family members will be at her graduation, Davis said she knows her family is proud of her.

&uot;It’s good that I was the first to graduate,&uot; she said. &uot;They hope I make something of myself.&uot;

FHS librarian Ladonnie Bowman, who has known Davis since junior high, said the senior has always been willing to work.

&uot;She comes from a broken home and I think she just wanted things to be better for her life,&uot; Bowman said. &uot;The work ethic and wanting to be successful and wanting to succeed is what motivated her.&uot;

The B-student who loves math, took advanced classes in high school, and performed well, Assistant Principal Michelle Bethea said.

Davis and Mayse are looking for summer jobs before starting school and both have the typical senior-feelings about leaving Ferriday.

Mayse’s grandmother Louise Mayse said she was proud of both girls. &uot;I don’t know about them, but I’m sure glad this day has come,&uot; she said.

At FHS, Davis was a library assistant and Mayse was active in Key Club.

Ferriday’s graduation is tonight at 7.